OUR EXPERIENCES

The current Hotel Bethlehem site was the location of both the First House of Bethlehem in 1741 and the Golden Eagle Hotel, built by the Moravians and opened in 1823. The Moravians are a traditionally hospitable community and provided lodging for distinguished patriots and military leaders during the Revolutionary War.

Bethlehem Steel President Charles M. Schwab drove the decision to build a new 200-room hotel to replace the Eagle Hotel. The Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce sold shares to community members at $50/share. The opening of this grand hotel was met with famous guests, including dignitaries such as Sir Winston Churchill.

The end of prohibition opened opportunities to expand food and drink options in Bethlehem. George Gray, a Coast Guard veteran & military artist, was commissioned to paint 8 murals depicting the history of Bethlehem to adorn the walls of the Tap Room. These murals were showcased as a Museum-Worthy Collection in USA Today in 2023.

The 1950s and 60s brought new challenges for the hotel as motels emerged along nearby highways. As a result, Bethlehem Steel stepped in to purchase and upgrade the hotel. The hotel achieved 4 diamond status during this period with Bethlehem Steel’s “Hospitality Girls” adding to the guest experience.

As Bethlehem Steel endured difficult times from foreign steel imports, it began divesting its non-core assets. The hotel was forced into bankruptcy in January of 1998.

A significant renovation and restoration process occurred with the new ownership to reopen the hotel under a Radisson Hotel franchise arrangement. As the hotel recovered from its hard times, the ownership transferred its marketing affiliation from the Radisson to Historic Hotels of America. The hotel re-emerged to its original grandeur and roaring 1920s vibrancy, bringing world-class charm and international dignitaries back to Bethlehem once again.